Day of Special Purpose Military Police Detachment Cobras
Tuesday, 14.4.2026 | Culture and traditions
Day of the Special Purpose Military Police Detachment “Cobras” — April 14 has solemnly been celebrated at the “Vasa Čarapić” barracks in Belgrade today, in memory of the day when, in 1978, the Department of the Military Police for Counter-Terrorist Actions was formed, whose tradition the Detachment continues.
The ceremony was attended by President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces Aleksandar Vučić, Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić and Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff General Milan Mojsilović. On this occasion, a newly built facility intended for this unit was officially opened.
At the beginning of his address, talking about the new facility, President Vučić has pointed out that something was built that was not cheap and that no one for the past 48 years has even thought could be built.
— We built it thanks to your will, your willingness, your professionalism and responsibility. I am surrounded by your members, every day we share the good and the bad in some way. I have to tell other people in Serbia that in other parts of the system I have not seen such responsibility, professionalism and seriousness as I have seen in you, members of “Cobras”. You were never late anywhere, you could wait even in the worst weather, react quickly and handle difficult situations. Thank you for all your effort, work and engagement - said President Vučić.
The Supreme Commander expressed his gratitude to the members of “Cobras” because they responded 100 percent at the moment when there was a crisis in Kosovo and Metohija.
— Thank you endlessly for that and that is one of the reasons why you enjoy so much respect from the state leadership and why we invested so much money in these facilities — said President Vučić.
On that occasion, he has declared that he expects the members of “Cobras” to achieve top results in the next competitions and to compete side by side with the best units in the world such as those from Kazakhstan and China.
President Vučić has recalled the words of French Marshal Franchet d’Espèrey that the Serbian soldier is the most resilient soldier in the world, emphasizing that “Cobras” are one of the pillars of the defense system, the overall fight against terrorism and preservation of the security system of the Republic of Serbia.
— As a matter of fact, on April 14, 1978, when the unit was formed as a department for counter-terrorist combat, it had one officer and 12 NCOs. Today, this is a unit of national importance, directly subordinated to the Chief of the General Staff, thus, the “Cobras” were granted an institutional status that corresponds to their role and responsibility. The “Cobras” will have to receive more soldiers and more special force personnel, so that there will be more of you, because in this way we will strengthen additionally our security system, preserving stability and peace in our country - said the President of Serbia, emphasizing that their tasks are difficult and the ones that require responsible people.
He has said that Serbia opted for military neutrality and that it will jealously guard and defend that military neutrality.
— Therefore, we will continue to invest in you, so that every child would be safe in our country, so that every mother would be safe in our country, so that we could ensure a safe future for each of us. We have to be equipped stronger, better and in a more powerful way than others in the region, because we are the only ones that are fundamentally militarily neutral. Everyone else either belongs or wants to belong to a certain military alliance. We are the only ones who want to protect our sky and our land. We are the only ones who want to decide independently on our own destiny. And that’s why I don’t see this money that has been spent as an expense, but rather as an investment in the country’s security, safety and stability, President Vučić stated.
The President of Serbia has said that the work of the unit members in peacetime is a guarantee of their readiness to face all challenges.
— I wish you to be independent, I wish you to be brave as you have been so far and to pass on your courage, boldness and determination to the generations to come — said President Vučić, congratulating all members on the Unit Day.
Commander of the Special Purpose Military Police Detachment “Cobras”, Brigadier General Darko Đošić, has said that with the new facility, the unit members will not only have a roof over their heads, but also the most modern working and training conditions.
— This building represents the legacy of all the people who were or are now part of the unit, and will remain a legacy for future generations. Together with my members, I want to present my compliments, appreciation and gratitude to the state and military leadership, especially to you, Mr. President. I expect that in the coming period we will be stronger and more numerous, equipped with the most modern weapons, materiel and equipment. Regardless of the challenges and pressures, we will work harder, show better quality, more discipline and more responsibility, and we will perform our tasks and obligations as before - said General Đošić.
After the ceremony, together with the Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff, President Vučić visited the newly built facility, attended a demonstration of skills of the unit members and witnessed their proficiency level and readiness for the implementation of tasks.
